Can LeBron catch Michael Jordan?

LeBron James discusses heading to a fourth straight championship series, and what it's like to be compared to the greats of the sport.

LeBron's chance to edge closer to Jordan. Source: AFP

THE comparisons are getting very real now.

Who will go down as the greatest ever player: Michael Jordan or LeBron James?

The answer is about to become clearer, as James' Miami Heat take on the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals starting Friday.

Two-time defending champion Miami and the Spurs are set for the first rematch series since the 1997 and 1998 NBA finals, the annual best-of-seven set between the Eastern and Western conference champions.

A three-peat would edge James closer to Jordan's legacy – although Jordan won three straight titles twice.

Regardless, the talk is growing. Will James one day go down as the best player who ever lived?

MORE: Do LeBron and Jordan despise each other?

LeBron James in action for the Miami Heat. Source: AFP

The Heat knocked off the Indiana Pacers to reach the Finals, and Pacers coach Frank Vogel tried putting things in perspective by comparing James to His Airness.

"It's bitterly disappointing to lose to this team three years in a row, but we're competing against the Michael Jordan of our era, the Chicago Bulls of our era," Vogel said.

Miami has reached the Finals in all four years since James teamed up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form the Big Three.

Who knows how long this dynasty will last.

"Any time I hear my name or our team in the same breath with legends and great teams and franchises, it's so humbling," James said when told of Vogel's high praise. "It's like – I really don't know."

Certainly, there are many who insist James will never touch Jordan's legend.

Former Chicago forward Horace Grant said this week Jordan's Bulls would have destroyed James' Miami.

Michael Jordan in his prime for the Bulls. Source: Supplied

"The Heat wouldn't have had a chance. We would have locked them up. Especially with the rules today, Michael would have had a field day," Grant said.

Asked about his chance to join the greats of the game, James played it down.

"This is my fifth appearance in a finals. I'm blessed," James said during practice on the eve of game one.

"I was a kid who watched so many finals appearances, watched Michael Jordan and watched Shaq (O'Neal) and Kobe (Bryant).

"We watched throwback finals games of Magic (Johnson) and (Larry) Bird and Isiah (Thomas) and Hakeem (Olajuwon).

"I don't need extra motivation. This is motivating enough."

If the Heat beat the Spurs they will become the first team to win three in a row since the O'Neal-led Lakers between 2000-2002.

"My role has been kind of walk by myself and learn from experience," James added.

"You can only live your own life, on your own path and make your own course. And I've been fortunate enough to do that."

The Heat won last year, but San Antonio is looking forward to redemption. It has won four titles since Tim Duncan joined forces with coach Gregg Popovich in Texas.

The Spurs will host the first game Friday (AEST) against Miami, who beat them in seven games last season.

- with AP

Can LeBron James catch Michael Jordan? Tweet your thoughts to @cam_tomarchio